|
|
TINNITUS RETRAINING THERAPY(TRT)
- Tinnitus is any noise in the ears or head. It is often described as a ringing or buzzing sound, but can sound like anything.
- Hyperacusis is oversensitivity to sounds. A person with Hyperacusis finds moderately-loud sounds, like a shout or a phone ringing, painfully loud.
- TRT is treatment based on a neurophysiological model hypothesized by Dr. Jastreboff and colleagues in 1989 at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.
- TRT aims to train the subconscious part of the brain to ignore the sound of the tinnitus and to achieve a stage in which the individual is no longer aware of and annoyed by the tinnitus.
- Also aims to increase the tolerance of the individual with Hyperacusis to sounds.
- Involves an extensive audiological evaluation, several directive counselling sessions and sound therapy.
- Directive Counselling involves discussing possible causes and factors involved in the tinnitus. Knowledge decreases the fear associated with having tinnitus and/or Hyperacusis.
- Sound Therapy helps the brain filter out/ignore tinnitus by providing the auditory system with constant, low-level sounds. When treating Hyperacusis, low-level sounds are gradually increased in order to improve tolerance to sounds.
- TRT does not involve any surgery or drugs.
- TRT has no side effects.
- Dr. Jastreboff’s results show that over 80% of patients report significant improvement.
- The Canadian Hearing Society offers a multidisciplinary approach. All required services can be found in one location: including Audiology, Otolarynology (ENT), Connect Counselling and Hearing Aid Services. This team approach is more beneficial to the client and makes enduring a TRT program more convenient.
- A referral from an ENT is needed before participation in the TRT program.
TRT is not covered by OHIP.
|
|
|
|
